The African Union (AU) Assembly has resolved to extend His Majesty King Letsie III’s term as the African Union Nutrition Champion for the next two years.

According to a press release from the Lesotho Embassy in Ethiopia, His Majesty has over the years addressed and made contact with many stakeholders, particularly policy makers in health, agriculture, nutrition, environment, climate change and finance sectors among others, to craft solutions to the continent’s hunger and nutrition challenges.

The release says that approximately 59 million children under the age of five in Africa are reportedly stunted, with the impact being long lasting, irreversible damage to childhood.

It continues to say that Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Commission Ms. Ntšiuoa Sekete said His Majesty often calls for focus on “investment” of essential financial and material resources to engage Africa’s society on nutrition, focusing on children and vulnerable groups.

“His Majesty`s continued championship will reinforce existing levers to sustain resources
for nutrition in Africa. We are pleased and grateful that His Majesty has
immersed himself in this important mandate and for the remarkable work he has done
to advance continental efforts and agenda on nutrition,” it adds.

It further says that Ambassador Sekete highlighted that African Union, through the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, has acknowledged the His Majesty`s role, impact and dedication to the mandate, but most importantly, willingness to serve the people of Africa.

In conclusion, it states that in March 2023, at a high-level event on nutrition financing held in the capital Maseru, His Majesty called on Leaders to put in place practical and sustainable financing mechanisms to deliver improved nutrition outcomes.

His Majesty King Letsie III has led the continental nutrition agenda since 2016.

Source: LENA  19/4/2024